Marking-machine for laundries.



' 0. W. CANINE. MARKING MACHINE \FJQR LAUNDRIES. APPLICATION FILED 11.12. moaimnmwnn OUT. 4, 912.

1,059,657. Patented Apr. 22, 1913.

o. W; CANINE.

MARKING MACHINE FOR LAUNDRIES.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 12, 1903. RENEWED OUT. 4, 1912.

. 5 Patented Apr. 22, 1913.

C. W. CANINE.

MARKING MACHINE FOR LAUNDRIES.

APPLICATION TILED MAR. 12, 1903. RENEWED OUT. 4, 1912. '1, O59,657'.'

Patented Apr. 22, 1913.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

c. CANINE. MARKING MACHINE FOR LAUNDRIES. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 12, 1903. RENEWED OCT. 4, 1912.

1,059,657, Patented A' ri22,1913.

6 SHEETBSHEET 4.

0. WJQANINB.

MARKING MACHINE FOR LAUNDRIES.

APPLIOATION FILED MAR. 12, 1003. REN EWBD OCT. 4, 1912.

Patented Apr. 22, 1913.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

G. W. CANINE. MARKING MACHINE FOR LAUNDRIES. APPLICATION FILED MAR.12, 190a. RENEWED 00154, 1912.

1 059 57 Patented Apr. 22, 1913.

v 2 7 e SHEETS-SHEET s.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE; I cHEs'ruR W.-cANINE, or nus MoINEs, IOWA, AssmNoR or one-HALF 'ro LEONARD s.

SMITH AND ETHAN B. STANLEY, or CINCINNATI, OHIO.

MARKiNG-MACHINE FOR LAUNDRIES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 22, 1 913.

Application filed March 12, 1903,-Seria1 No. 147,540. Renewed October 4, 1912. Serial No. 723,952.

1 '0 all. "whom 7'1 may (once/ n Be it. known that I, CHESTER W. CANINE, a-eitizeii of the United States, residing at Des Moines, in the county of Polk and State of Iowa, have invented a new and useful h la rkiiig Machine, for Laundries, of which the following is a specification. I This invention relates. to a machine especially designed for use'in laundries for tlie purpose of placinga permanent. mark upon each piece of goods. -In this connection, it

is of importance to remember that the laundry packages from one person frequently contain a large number of pieces varying greatly in both size and texture; sayfor instance from a ladies lace handkerchief to a ivoolen blanket. Obviously it would beinipractical to print a mark of the same size upon eacharticle, for the mark on the lace handkerchief must be quite small and incon spicuous or else t would be highly ob eetionable as disfiguring the handkerchief, while the mark upon a coarsefabric, such as a woolen blanket must be many times larger,

or else'it could not be- 'ead nor easily found.

it is also important: to. bear in mind that all of the pieces contained in a laundry'packtake.

age. or bcloi' ging to one particular person,

'lhe objects of-iiiy inventitin ai'dto provide a maehinoot simple, durable and inexpensire construction, having a, set-of letter bearing keys'anda munber otqsetsof numeral bearing keys, so that the symbol to be 'printed upon the laundry pieces may contain first, a letter of the alphabet corresponding to the first letter of theiowners name,

I beginning with the same letter, and to pro- 'vide a symbol susceptible ot a very large number of variations, and further in this and then a combination of nit n'erals for the purpose of distinguishing eac-li owner's name connection to provide a symbol which may consist simply of a letter of the alphabet or which may consist of a letter of the alphabet and any one of a number of numeral-s, ranging from 0 to 9, or a letter of the alphabet and two or more sets of numerals each ranging from O to 9.

A further object is to provide a number of sets of type bearing plates, each set being v identical with the other except for size, each setof said type bearing plates, being of materially different size and all of them actuated simultaneously by a single set of type operated independently either by foot or by hand as required to force the article to be printed into operative contactwith the type bearing plates, and further in this connection to provide automatically operating inking devices designed to apply fresh ink to the typoplates on the particular set of type to be used, said inking devices operated by power from the hand or footlever of the particular printing platen being used, to the end that only the particular set of type being used may be inked immediately before the art icle to be printed is placed in contact with the type, thus avoiding the ossibility of ink drying or evaporating be ore being used, and topi'event waste and deterioration of the ink; i

A further object is to provide a printing platen ofesiinple, durable and inexpensive construction in which the part of the platen designed to contact fwith each type bearing plate is arranged so as to be independently yielding relative to the other plates, so'tha-t it the surface of the fabric being printed upon is irregular, or if the symbol is being .printed over a seam in the article, each type of the symbol to be printed willfirmly engage the fabric as required to make a clear and distinct mark.

ion

My inventionconsists in'certain detailsi'n the construction, arrangement and combinevation of the com front elevation hearing plates.

tion of the various movement.

parts of the device, whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in my claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 shows a front elevation of the complete machine. Fig. shows a side eledotted lines indicating the position of one of the printing platens elevated, also showing by dotted lines the path of travel of one of t'ie inking arms, and also by dotted lines showing the position of the foot treadle at its lower limit of movement and also at a point between its upper and lower limits of Fig. 3 shows a vertical, transverse, sectional view through the indicated iinei3-3 of Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows a horizontal sectional view on the indicated line -1t---=l of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 shows an enlarged detail view illustrating one of the type bearing plates and connected igzh shows a detail, sectional view of one the printing platens. Fig. 7 shows a of one of the sets of type Fig. 8 shows a top or plan bars and the key bar lockview of the key plete' machine and by;

sets of length sutficient to parts. bars 15, and it is norm ing.; to illustrate the manner in which bars are independently locked and "ely released. 1.; detail perspecti king devices. shows an endetail, perspective view illustrating plate stopping cylinder and assoillustrating the means by which on of a key will stop the type the proper position, and also illusthe means by which all of the type be released upon the pressure of Fig. 11 is an enlarged, deustrating the means by which the stopping cylinders are renormal position when released. we a detail, perspective view of a one or": the inking devices, and Fig. a top or plan view of the complete ring to the accompanying drawings,

a used thereference numeral to inthe base of the machine. Mounted this base are three tubular uprights said uprights supporting at their top ,a r 12 in which the operative mechanism "ned. Inside of the casing I have '4 l a number of vertical partitions 13 supports for the various mechanism. I mounted. in the top of the casing on the left side of the casin is a type keys 14, each. of saic keys one of the letters of. the alphabet. these keys is connected at its lower n key bar 15. This bar is pivoted if end to a cross rod 16 supported .rtitions 13. and the bar is ex .arizontally toward the front of the Fig. 9 shows an en- 1 ve view of one of machine. The frontedge of this bar is provided with an inclined shoulder 17 for purposes hereinafter made clear. Connected. with the forward end of each type bar 15 is a rod 18 extended downwardly through an opening in the. guide plate 19, which guide plate is supported upon the partitions 13 in a horizontal position near the front of the machine frame. Obviously when any one of the type keys 141 is depressed its rod 18 will be forced downwardly through the guideplate 19.

I have provided means whereby each of the key bars will be locked at its downward limit of movement, automatically, as follows: The numeral 20 indicates a locking bar mounted in slots formed in the partitions 13 so that the bar 20 is capable of movement to and from the adjacent ends of the key bars 15. The said bar 20 is of a engage each of the key ally held against. each of the key bars by means of the extensilesprings 21. The locking bar 20 is so arranged that when a key is depressed the inclined shoulder 17 will force the locking bar forwardly and permit the key bar to pass beneath the locking bar, whereupon the locking bar will move to position over the inclined shoulder 17, and thereby firmly hold the key bar at its lower limit of movement. When the locking bar 20 is released the key bars are each elevated by meansof a spring 22 provided for that purpose.

From the foregoing description it is. obvious that when any one of the keys 14 is depressed, the rod 18 connected therewith will be forced. downwardly through the guide plate. 19 and locked in this position, and it is td be understood in this connection'that only one key out of the entire set 14 is used at ,one time. I

I shall next describe the means by which the particlar type corresponding to the key depressed is pla'ced in its position for printing. The reference numeral 23 indicates a shaft rotatably supported in the adjacent partitions l3. Keyed tothis shaft23 is a locking cylinder 24 of a length to extend under all of the rods 18gbelonging'to the set of keys 14, and formed in this locking cylinder is a series of notches 25 so arranged as to be engaged by the rods 18. These notches are so disposed upon the periphery of the cylinder that the cylinder must be turned to a different position foreach of the rods 18; thatis to say the notches extend spirally around the cylinder, and in order to ha e the firstnotch engage the first rod 18, th cylinder need only be rotated a short distance, and for each successive notch the cylinder must be rotated a greater distance before the notch engages the. spending therewith. The obj made apparentfwhen the construction and i This bell crankleve'r is operated automa't in the form of a' half circle, and fixed tothe plate is a number of type 27, each type being held to the periphery of the plate bymeans of a screw 28, as clearly shown in t Fig. ofthe drawings. In this connection it is to be understood that the type are moved to a. printing posit-ion which is at the .frontof the machine, and when the vtype key bearingtheletter A is depressed 'it is only necessary to rotate the cylinder 24 a sh ht distance because the type 27 bearing t e letter Aiis a very short distance beneath. the opening in the casing through which the printing is done; Hence, in order to bring the letter A, which is the first one on thez'plate 26, to printing position, it is- ,only necessary to move the cylinder 24 and with it the plate 26 a slight distance, and for this reason the rod 18 of the type key bearing theletter A is arranged to engage the notch 25, which when in its position of rest is arranged nearest/to the, outer end of the cylinder'24'. Another instance, if-the,

letter H is to be placed in printing position, the operator depresses the key bearing the letter H and this forces the rod 18 down into position where the'cylinder 24 willbe rotated a considerable distance before it "K'Will reach the notch 25 corresponding to the i, letter H and the type plate will therefore is move a-considerable' distance before it will l;-J-.= be stopped by the notch on the stop cylinder A engaging the rod 18', and when it is stopped the type H will-be in its printing position. From the foregoing description it is ohi vious' that the act of 'depressingthe type ,keys does notmove the type bearing plate butsimply places'in position the proper one gfthe bars 18 for limiting or stopping the {movement of the type bearing plate. I have 5 vprovided for operating the type bearing fflplate as follows: Fixed'to theshaft 23' a pulley 29'upon which'a' chain 30 is fixed and partially wound. Near the rear end of the' machine is a, rotatable shaft 31 and to this 5 shaft I havefi xed a drum 32 upon ,which *the chain 30 fixed and partially wound; In the chainflBO is a contractile coil spring '33 to: permit the chain to "lengthen and I have pro;

shorten to aylimited extent; 513' vided'forrotating'thc drum 32 as follows ;v 1 The reference numeral 34 indicates an arm pivotedto the disk 32 on shaft 31 atone end, and pivotally and slidingly connected,

i with a bell crank lever 35 at its other end,

" .cally whenzthe printing platen is moved as I will hereinafterv appear. Hence, when the a I printing platen ismoved the first time the chain- 30 Willbe drawn in such manner as 5' to rotate the lockii gcylinder 24 to position where the notches thereof will engage the corresponding rod 18, and the locking cylinder will beheld in this position by the spring 33. In this connection I have provided means whereby the drum 32 is locked in the position required for holding the locking cylinder 24 in position as follows: Fixed to the shaft 31 is a ratchet wheel 36, and pivoted to the adjacent partition 13 is a spring actuated pawl 37' to engage the ratchet wheel 36.

The numeral 38 indicates a releasing key connected at its lower end with a lever 39, the lower end of which 'is designed to engage the locking bar 20 and to force it away from-the key bars 15 when the releasing lever is depressmg- The numeral 40 indicates a rod pivoted to the lever and attached to the pawl 37. Obviously, a depression of the releasing key 38 will operate to force" the locking bar 20 out of engagement with the key bar 15 so that it may be elevated and atthe same time it,will force the spring actuated pawl 37 to position where it will disengage from its ratchet wheel 36, thus permitting the ratchet wheel 36 and the drum '32 to return to their starting position by mcans'of the pressure of the spring33. In this connection, I have provided means whereby the return movement of the type bearing plate will be cushioned attaching a piston rod 41 to the drum, said piston rod entering a cylinder 42pivoted at 43 to the machine frame, thus forming an air cushion of ordi- 1131:) construction. From the foregoing de;

scription it is obvious that a pull upon the .arm 34 will rotate the drum 32 and ratchet wheel 36 as required to turn the locking cylinder to position where it Will engage the one of the rods1'8, which is at its downward limit; Thiswill place the type bearing plate in positi'on with the proper type in printing-position and the pawl 37 will then lock the drum 32 to position where the chain 30"and,its spring will hold the locking cylinder stationary until siich time as the releasing key- 38 is depressed, whereupon the p wl; -37,' released from the ratchet wheel 36"ni1d the drum"32l is then re-,

turned by the spring 33 "to its normal have provided meansfor returning the locking position. In' this connection, I

cylinder. to starting position-as soon as the tension removed fronrthe chain 30 and spring as follows: Fixed to the plate 15) is a co-nvolute spring 44wou'nd upon the shaft 23 and also fixed to the shaft,

and exerting its' resiliency in a direc v ticn tendingto return the shaft 23 to its starting position. The resiliency of this spring-is such that. it may be overcome, and

the locking cylinder rotated, when the drum 32 is'turned by the arm 34,, and the only function of this spring is to return the ing bar 20 before described.

which the several type bearing is rethe cyl- 30 to adjust itself as to length, to correspond with this changed movement.

Thus far I have described only the mechanism for operating the type bearing plates having the letters of the alphabet marked thei eon. I shall next. describe the means by plates having numerals marked thereon are operated.

The keys 14 occupy the space at the upper left side of the -1nachine. Immediately to the right of the keys 14 are two rows of keys running from the front to the rear indicated by the reference numeral 45. These keys are similar to the keys 14; are provided with rods 18, which rods extend upwardly through a ide plate46 having openings therein-simi ar to the guide plate.

19. This guide plate is arranged immediately above a locking cylinder I7 having notches 48 therein and fixed to the shaft 49 immediately in the rear of the shaft 23. Fixed to the shaft 49 having a chain 51 attached thereto and fixed to and wound upon the drum 32. Fixed to the ends and the central portion of this shaft 49 are the type bearing plates 51". All of these parts correspond exactly in structure and function with the mating parts before described, except that the cylinder 47 is shorter because there are only ten type keys to be operated n =onrection with it, and the type bearing plates 51* are smaller because there are only era type plates fixed thereto. Immediately in he front.of the type bars for the type flls 45 is a spring actuated locking bar .32, .si nilar to the lock- All of the parts just described operate in the same way as their. mating paras in the mechanism h-ereinbefore specifically described. Hence, a detailed description the-eat would be simply a repetition.

Immediately to the right hf the keys 45 is another set of ten keys indicated by the numeral 53; and immediatelyto the right of the set 53 is a third set of numeral bearing keys 54. Each one of the sets of keys 5 3 and 54 is provided with the same mechanlisnis as the keys before'described. The keys are arranged to, work in conjunction with the shaft'55 to operate the type bearing plates 56, and the keys 54 are arranged in conjunction with the shaft 57 to operate the plates 58. From the foregoing description it is obvious that there are four shafts and each shaft carries three type bearing plates, and the plates of each set must be close together and must have their printing surfaces flushwith eachother when raised to printing position. This'I accomplish by .ing the letters of is a small pulley 50' providing openings in the plates on all but the. front shaft, through which the shafts may project without lnterfer' with the movement of the plates. ObVIOHSIy the plates on the differentshafts must be of different radii, and the radius of each plate is such that a point on its periphery in line with the four shafts will beflush with a similar point on theother plates, and it'is at this point that the printing is done.

I have provided a number of sets of type, for instance, all oft-hose that contain the letters of the alphabet may be considered as one set, and I have also provided a single set of keys; all of those that contain the letters may be considered as one of the alphabet set, and I have also provided means whereshaping the plates as shown in Fig. 5, and

by all of the sets of type may be controlled by the single set of keys such, for instance, as the controlling of all the sets of type that contain letters by means of a single set of keys that also'contain letters.

In some instances it may be desirable to operate only the type bearing plates 26 havthe alphabet thereon, and in other instances it may be desirable to operate the type bearing tion with the type bearing plates 51 only, or other combinations may be used. When this is done I have provided means whereby the type bearing plates corresponding to the keys that are not depressed, will be firmly locked in position so that they can not be moved when the platen print-in mechanism is operated as follows: Directly eneath each set of key'bars is a cross piece 59 mounted on arms 60, said arms being supported on the partitions 13 by being pivoted near their forward ends. When any one of the key bars 15 corresponding to any of the ty bearing plates is depressed, then the bar is moved downwardly. Attached .to the-forward end of one of the arms .60 is a locking rod 61 designed to enter an opening-62 in the locking cylinder. ranged to normally-hold the rear end of the A spring 63 is ar-' arm 60 upwardly so that the locking rod 61 is normally in the openings 62 of the locking cylinder and is only removed from said opening as required to permit the locking cylinder to rotate, when someone of the key bars 15 is depressed and held down wardly. In this connection it is to be re- Lmembered that a pressure is applied tending to rotate all of the shafts upon which the type bearin plates are mounted at the same time, and ohv' provided for locking each of the type bearing plates independently of the o hers, they would all be rotated each time the'printing platen was operated, but by means of the device just described only those ty ebear ing plates are moved that correspond set of keys that has been depressed. .Hence,

'iously unless some means were with 'the no.

an arm 66 having a slot 67 in its lower end,

comprises a rotatable shaft 64 extended com- I pletely across the machine and forming the scri levers similar to 39 and indicated in Fig. 8

suppgrt for the lever 39, hereinbefore ded, and fixed to this shaft 64'are two of the drawings by the reference numeral 39 for each one of the locking bars'QO or 52 so that when the key 38 is depressed, all of the locking 'va'te, and, as before explained, the rod 40 will release the pawl 37 and permit all of the type bearing plates to return'to starting position; 3 f

i I have thus far: described only the means for placing the ty'peb'earing plates in position and for returning them after theprinting is completed. I shall now describe 'first themeans whereby. ink is applied tothe type tobeprinted from. This means comprises said 5101; receiving the shaft 57 upon which it is loosely mounted. There is one of these arms 66 for each set of type bearing plates.

The upward movement of the arm 66 .is"

limited by a pin 68, and, formed on the lower end of the arm 66 is a segmental rack .69 meshed wit-ha toothed segment 70,piv-

oted to a support This toothed segment is'provided with a notch 72, and,- mounted on the bell crank lever. 35 mph armg73 hav} ing a hook on its upper endfto enter the notch 72;. The arm 73 is heldin position toward the toothed segment 70 by means of the spring 74, 'and, formedin the arm 34 is a slot- 75 in which the upper end of the bell crank lever 35 may freely slide. The first cil'ect of a movement of the bell crank lever is to move the arm 34 forwardly in the machine in a direction toward the position indicated by dottedlines in Fig. 3 of the drawings, this movement sets the type hearing plates in their proper position for use. During this movement, the bell crank lever $51 movesthe toothed segment 70 as required to lower the forward and upper endof the lever 66. When the hooked arm 73 has moved in this direction to the position indicated 'by dotted lines in Fig. 3, then the hooked arm 73 is moved out of the notch 72, thus releasing the hooked arm 73 from the toothed segment 76 and permitting the arm 66 to return to its elevated position. This is done by means of a. spring 76. The function of the slot 75 is to permit-the upper end bars will be moved outwardly, thus permitting all of't'he key bars 15 to elefront of the shield. A de ression 82 is V pivoted of the arm 35 carrying the hooked arm 73 to move freely in the slot whenthe toothed segment is returned to its starting position, as indicated by solid lines in Fig. 3 because this movement mustbe done while the arm 34- and the bell crank lever 35 are moving forwardly. The function of the slot 67 in the arm'66 is to permit the arm 66 to move as follows: \Vhen .the arm starts to move downwardly the shaft 57 will be at the'lower endof the slot 67, and then when the arm 66 reaches its "downward limit of movement the only way it can move'v'vill be toivarddhe rear of the machine, and then the arm moves on the shaft, the movement being permittedby said slot.

From the foregoing description it is obvious that the first effect ofa movement of i the bell crank lever 35 is to operate the arminsuch manner as to set the type bearing plates to the desired position. Then the arm 66 islowered to aoint opposite the type to be used for printmg aswill herein after appear. Then it is moved rearwardl'y as required to ink the type, and then it is released and permitted to return to its printing platen to engage the'type. In the upper and'outer end of the arm 66 is an absorbent pad 77 which carries the rinting ink to be applied to the types. On t e front of the machine casing is a se mental sheet metal shield 78 for each set of type bearing plates, and each of these shields is rovided with an opening at 79 through w ich. the type to be used may be seen from the front of the machine. This opening 78 extends upwardly in the shield as far as the arm 66 may move, and the said arm 66 projects through this opening. The arm 66 has-twosides and I have provided a curved plate 80, the upper end of which is fixed at 81 to the formed therein at the top of t e opening 79, and then the body portion of the part stands flushwith the outer face of theehield' 78 and. extends downwardly to a point near the bot tom of. the opening 79,'the sides of the arr- 366 moving in the spaces between the part 8("' "nd the shield 78 as may be clearly seen in Fig. 9. The reference numeral a plate indicates an inking pad consisting of at 84.- and provided with an upwardly projecting stop 85. This inking pad and it is so arranged that when the arm 66 moves upwardly it will strike upright part 85, thus forcing the pad 83 against the inking pad 77 carried by the arm 66, and as soon as the arm 66 starts to move downwardly the body'portion of the pad 83 will be dropped by gravity and permit the arm 66 to freely move downwardly. In this conlimit of movement. All of these time ions are accomplished beforet-he, bell crank lever '35 hasmoved far enough to permit the is placed in the depression in the plate 80'.

' ncction, it should be explained that a separate and independent inking device is pr0- vided for each set of type bearing plates, and the inking pads 83 are each covered and protected by the outer ends of the arms '66, and. the parts 77 are normally held in yielding contact with the pads 83 so that dust can not accumulate and so that the ink will not evaporate or harden, and the pads are only separated for the short time that the arms 66 are moving downwardly to en gage the type and returning.

The printing mechanism comprises a rod 86, the 11 per end of which is pivoted to the lower end of bell crank lever This rod is slidingly mounted in the bracket 87. at its lower end and is provided with two pins 88 and 89 near its upper end. The numeral 90 indicates a foot treadle pivoted at its outer end to the bracket 91 and at its inner to a link 92, which link is pivoted to the rod 86. A contractile coil spring 93 is proas above descr oftype bearing plates, the only difference vided for drawing the rear end of the foot. treadle 90 upwardly, said spring being attached to the bracket 87.

The numeral-tltindicates a bracket attached to the top of the upright 11 and tulcrumed in this bracket, is a platen bearing arm 95'having on its: loYver end a cam 96 arranged between the pins 88 and 89 on the rod 86., so that the lower end of the arm 95 must move upwardly and downwardly with the rod 86. This is true whether the rod is pushed downwardly by the foot treadle or Whether the upper end of the arm 95 is pulled rearwardly by the operators hands. When the rod 86-is pulled downwardly in the manner just described it will operate the bell-crank lever 35, and this lever will move all of the ty e bearing-plates to printing position, as liereinbefore described.- On the upper end of the arm 95 is a body portion 97 having at its sides the handles 98 and on the inner face of the body portion 97 is a recessin which four bars 99 are slidin ly mounted. On the outer face of each bar-i s a platen section 100 and each bar 99 is provided withan extensile coil spring 101, normally forcing the platen section to its outer limit of movement, the movement of the platen sections being limited by the pins 102 fixed to the-body portion and passed through the slots 103 in the bars 99. These platen sections are of such width that one of them will exactly cover the width of the type bearing plate against which it is designed to press, and each platen section is'of such length that it will cover the type against which it is to be forced. In this connection it is to be understood that a rinting mechanism exactly ibed is provided for each set being that the size of the platen sections varies to correspond with t e size of the I type against which it is to be forced. It is also to be remembered in this connection I that the movement of the foot treadle 90 g or the arm 95 is designed to accomplish two purposes. First, movement of either is de signed to operate the'bell crank lever 35 and then a further movement will bring the platen into printing contact with the type,

and by thus forming the platen in independent sections it is obvious that if a fabric of unequal thickness is placed between the platen and the type each letter on the type bearing plates will be printed distinctly because the platen will force each part of it against the corresponding type. The in creased thickness of any part oi the fabric only serves to depress the adjacent platen section more than the others.

In practical operation and assuming that it is desired to place the same symbol upon a large number of articles of dilterent size and texture, the operator first depresses one of the keys 1% bearing the letter of the alphabet which corresponds to the first letter of the name of the person to whom the articles are to be delivered. Assuming that it is likely that a large number of difi'erei. symbols must be used for the same initial letter, then it is necessary to depress one of the keys in each of the series of numeral bearing keys 45,53 and 54. Each key that is thus depressed consisting of one in each series is then held downwardly by the locking bars 20. Then the operator places the article to be marked on the desired platen. He then moves the foot. treadle or the arm corresponding to the said platen, then the drum 32 is operated, thereby moving every one of the shafts 23, 49, 55 and .57 and thus bring the type on each ty e bearing plate corresponding to the ey depressed to position directly behind the lower end of the opening 79 in the casing 78. When these type bearing plates have thus been moved to position they are firmly locked therein .bythe pawl 37. If the article is small and a large mark thereonwould be objectionable, he places the article'against to the smaller one or the type bearing plates.

Then when the'platen is moved forward toward the'type t pad is moved downwardly to a point in front of the type that are exposed, then it moves rearwardly forcing-the pad against the type and then it inoves upwardly, all of e arm bearing the printing this movement taking place while the platen bearing amps movm toward the type. Then when the platen aring arm strikes the ty e a symbol is printed upon the fabric- 0 platen is returned the fabric and w en t may be removed anda new one placed in osit-ion. Assuming further that a coarse eavy fabric is to receive thesame mark, ,the operator simply places it against the he intended to do, nevertheless,

agre s? rlarger one of the platens and forces said printed upon, then the operator touches the y 88. -This has the effect of releasing pawl 37 and offorcing all of the locking .bars forwardly, thus permitting all of the type bars to resume their normal position, and also permitting all of the lockmg cylinders to move to their normal position. Then when it is desired to set-up a [new combination, the type keys are depressed as before, one type key in each serites, and the machine'is ready for use for printing a different symbol. In somecases 1t may be desirable to use simplya letter. and

one numeral or a letter and two numerals, or one or more numerals without the'lettcr, and I have provided meanswhereby every 25am of the type bearing plates is locked against movcmentulnless" itis released by first pressing one of the type keys in the series. "T his means consists of the, part 59,

1 the arm. and the locking rod 61. w

By use of my improved machine I avoid i M possibility of error to a very great extent by .providing'meansby, which the type hearing I plates after oncel having been set to positionare firmly locked so that any number of 35 marks may be-printed 'from them' without I. ever disturbing or moving the type bearing plates untfl after all of the marks have been made that it is desired to make from the same combination of type, and I avoid possibility of error further byfirst printing the mark upon a ticket bearing the name of the 1 person to whom the articles are to be delivered. I have this ticket rinted and then mark each of the articles elongi'ng to that 5 person with the same mark. |H8HCQ,8VBI1 if i 'L' the o erator shonld make a mlstake in touch e type keys and, touch ones other than ing t I the same mark will be found on the ticket, thus posiidentifying the articles as belonging tojtepersonwhose .name appears on the ticket andavoidin all possibi ity of haying one symbol on the Ticket and another symbo on any one of the fa'rticles belonging to such '55 P rso 'Q Y; th s great ura y couldl'not possibly be attained by theuse of ainaclt'nein which type keys would have to be i 1 ticle used, for. if in such case any mistake or gq error' was made in depressing any one of the type keys throughout-the entire series of articles to be marked, then some of the articl'es might possibly bear different marks .frqm e 'qth Another great advantage to be derived crate when subjected to the a a second inking pad and is only moved from d pressed in order to print upon each arfrom the use of my machine is that the same combination of ty e is placed in position for use in a number oi sets of different sizes, the operator eiercising a choice as to which one of these sets of type will be used in marking each particular article, and by having only one set of keys so arranged as to set up a number of difi'erent sizes of type all hear ng the same character, itis obvious that articles of ditterent sizes and texture may be marked by the same machine and'without the possibility of variation in anyof the'cha'racters of said mark or symbol.

By' providing a machine of this class having one set of letter bearing keys combined as \Vltll a number of sets of numeral bearing keys arranged and combined as shown an described, it is obvious that a mark may be provided. by which the operatormay quickly and easily determine the initial letter of the 5 name of the person to whom the goods are to be delivered, and at the same time a very large number of different symbols or marks may be printed, each'mark com rising the letter of the alphabet correspon ing to the 99 name of the person towhom the articles are to be delivered. In this connection further, it is to benoted that the kind of inkthat' must of necessity be used on a device of this class is an ink that will not fade or deterirocess' used when cleaning the articles, an ink of this character usually evaporatesand 'hardens. very rapidly. Hence, byproviding an inking pad that is normally held .in contact with such contact an instant before theact of printing is done and returned to the printing pad immediately, it is obvious that the ink applied to the type will be fresh and'not have time toevaporate from the type before the printing is accomplished. Furthermore, by having the inking pads normally in' engagement With eachfother, all dust is excluded" and'the evaporation pr hardening of th'e'ink will be prevented. .In efiecting a printing operation, in the mannerin which my device is ordinarily. used, the operatorfirstgrasps a l-article, to

be'printed upon or marked in one hand and 13 then moves this hand and the article to one ofthe handles on the operating lever. He i then preferably grasps the same article and the -other handle in his other hand. This holdsthe article firmly imposition between 1 the handle and resting against what I have, t med the stock holding device. Obviously by this arrangement articles of vastly difiercut Sizes and shapcsmay be quickly, con-= veniently and accurately handled, and the. 119iv mark may'b'e placed at the exact point desired by the operator. In the present embodiment-of my invention the platen which must be present is carried directly on the tock holding device between the handles. a,;

' effects a printing operation.

Havingthus described my invention, what I claim and desire to "secure by Letters Patent of the United States, therefor is- 1. In a machine bf the class described, the combination of a number of groups of like type, each-group comprising a set of type and'also a second set of type to the right of.

the first, the first set in each group bearing similar type, and the second set in each group bearing similar type, so arranged that an impression taken from either group will containthe same symbols, arranged in the same manner, and two sets of keys, the first one controlling all of the first set of type in bbth groups and a second set of keys controlling all of the type to the right of the first set in each group.

2. In a machine of the class described, the

combination of a set of keys, a number of sets of type, all controlled by said keys, a second set of keys, a secondnumber of sets of type all controlled by said second set of keys, said sets of type arranged in groups, each group comprising"a set oftype con-' trolled by the first set of keys, and a second setjof type arranged to the right of the first and adjacent thereto and controlled by the second set of keys i 3. In a machine of the class described, the

combination of two shafts, a number of like type bearing plates 3m each shaftspaced apart, a set of eys controlling each. shaft,.a third shaft, a 'number of. like typ'ebearing plates thereon, the plates. of the tw shafts arranged'in groups and'a third set of keys controlling the movementsof the third shaft.

4. In a machine ofjthe class described, the combination of two parallelshafts, arranged side by side, a number of type bearing plates fixed to the first shaft, a corresponding number of type bearing plates fixed tofthe second shaft, said plates on the second shafts being arranged in groups, each grdup comprising a type bearing plate fixed to each shaft, the printing faces of two plates of each group being flush at one point and an independent set of keys for controlling the movements of each shaft.

5. In a machine'of the class'described, the combination of two parallel shafts, arranged side by side, a number of type bearing plates fixed to the first shaft, a corresponding number of type bearing plates fixed to the second shaft, said plates on the said shafts being arranged in groups, each group comprising a type bearing plate fixed to each shaft, the

printing faces of two plates of each group being flush at one point and an independent set of keys for controlling the movements of each shaft, a locking cylinder on each shaft, and rods connected with each set of keys for engaging the lockin cylinder.

6. In a machine of the class described, the

combination of two parallel shafts, arranged side by side, a number of segmental type bearing plates fixed to one shaft, a corresponding number of segmental type bearing plates vfixed to the other shaft, said latter plates bein slotted to receive the first mentionedgsha t, and also being of greater'diameter than the type bearing plates on the first shaft, the type bearing plates on the said shafts being arranged in groups, each group comprising one type bearing plate carried by each shaft, the type bearing plates of each group being flush with each other at a point in line with both shafts, and an independent set of keys for controlling each shaft.

7. In a machineof the class described, the combination of a number of parallel shafts, arranged side by side, a number of type bearingplates fixed to. each shaft, said plates being arranged in groups, each group comprising one plate of each shaft, the printing faces of the plates of each group being flush with each other at one oint, a locking cylinder fixed to each shaft and a setof type,

keys for each locking cylinder, :1 rod controlled by each key, coacting with the locking cylinder to limit the movement of the shaft.

8. In a machine of the class described, the

combination of a number of parallel shafts, arranged side by side, a number of type bearing plates fixed to each shaft, said plates being arranged in groups, each group comprising one plate of each shaft, the printmg faces of the plates of each grou being flush with each other at one point, a ocking cylinder fixed to each shaft and a set of type, keys for each locking cylinder, a rod conv trolled by each key, coacting with the look ing cylinder to limit the movement of the shaft, a yielding pressure device for holdin each shaft at one limit of its movement and manually operated means for turning the shaft to'position where the locking cylinder will he engaged by the rods of the ty e keys. 9. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a number of parallelshafts, arranged side by side, a number of type bearing plates fixed to each shaft, said plates der, and means for automatically locking mo em.

each rod in position to engage the locking cylinder when the corresponding type key is depressed 10.11) a machine of the class described,

thecombination of a set of keys, arod coni nected with each key, means for locking the keys at their downward limit of movement,

' a rocking shaft, a number of segmental type bearing plates, all bearing the same symbols fixed to the shaft, '21 single locking cylinder fixed to said shaft, the movements of the logging cylinder being controlled by the said r0 1 11. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a set of keys, a rod con nected with each key, means for locking the keys at their downward limit of movement, a. rocking shaft, :1 number of segmental plates; 1; pe thereon of different sizes, all

bear-mg he same symbols and fixed to said shaft, :1 single locking cylinder fixed to said shaft controlled by said rods, manually oprsted means for moving the locking cylinder in a direction required for bringing the type plates to printing position and spring actuated means .for returning them. '12. In a machine of the class described,

the combination of a set of keys, a rocking Shaft, a locking cylinder fixed to the shaft,

o'entrolled by the said keys, a number of segmental type bearing plates fixed to the said shaft, manually 0 erated means for moving the locking cylin er in a direction tending to bring the type plates to printing position,

and spring actuated means for returning the shaft.

I ,13. In a machine of the class described, the combination cilia-number of sets of keys,

a rod connected with each key, means for 49 automatically locking said rods at their downward limitof movement, a rocking shaft for each set of keys, a number of segmental ty e bearing plates, all bearing keyscoacting with the lockin limit the rotation of the she t,-means for the some sym 01s, fixed to each of said shafts, and a notched locking cylinder fixed to each shaft,-controlled by said rods.

14. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a shaft, a number of type bearing plates fixed to saidjshaft, a locking cylinder fixed to said shaft, a set of type cylinder to normally holding the locking cylinder againstrotation, said means released by a downward movement of any ofthe type keys.

15.. In a machine of'the class described, the combination of a shaft, a. number of type bearing plates'fixed to said shaft, a locking cylinder tired to said shaft, 3., set of type keys enacting with the. locking cylinder toliniit the rotation of the shaft, means for normally holding the locking cylinder ,1 against notation, said means released by a downward movement of any 6f the type type plates to printing position, and spring I actuated means for returning it.

16. In a device of the class described, the combination of a set of keys, a key bar for each key, means for automatically locking each key bar when depressed, a rod connected with each key, bar, aspring'raised cross bar beneath the key bars, depressed when any of the key bars are moved downwardly, a rod connected with said cross piece, elevated by a downward movement of the cross piece, a shaft, a type bearing plate fixed to the shaft, a locking cylinder fixed to the same shaft, the movements of,the locking cylinder being controlled by the rods of the key bars, and the rod connected with the cross piece holding the cylinder against rotation when lowered and releasing it when elevated.

17. In a device of the class described, the combination'of a number of sets of keys, a rod connected with each key, means for locking the keys when at their downward limit or movement, a spring raised cross bar be neath each set of keys, de ressed by a downward movement of any 0 the keys in the set. a rod connected with each of said cross pieces and elevated by a downward movement of the cross piece, a shaft for each set of keys, a type bearing plate. fixed to each shaft, a locking cylinder fixed to each shaft, the movements thereof being controlled by the rods of the keys, the rods connected with the cross bars, holdirig the cylinders againstrotation when lowered, and releasing them when elevated.

18. In a machine-of the class described, the combination with a number of type, means for supporting them imprinting position, a platen moving to and from the type, a pivoted arm 66 having a slot 67 and having atoothed segment at one end, an inking pad imprinting position, a platen bearing arm I movable to and from the type, ahead on the platen bearing arm, having handles at its sides, and a number of platen sections, corresponding in size to the type, their working faces normally fi'ush with each other, a slotted bar connected with each platen section, a pin passed through each slotto 11mm the movement of the section,

and a spring for each platen section, for the purposes stated. 1

so Q3. In a machine of the class described, the.

' combination of a number of independent sets of type, a single set of keys controlling 20. in a .achine of the class described, the combination of ahead, a niunbcr of independent platen sections, a slotted bar connectcd with each scctioit, pins connected with the head and passed through the slotted bars to limit the movement of the sections, and a spring for each section. I

21. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a number of independent sets of type, a single set of keys controlling all of the sets of type, a platen bearing arm, handles on the platen bearing arm, a foot treadle connected with the platen bearing arm to operate in unison therewith, and means actuated by the platen bearing arm for moving the type to printing position.

22. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a number of independent sets of type, a single set of keys controlling all of the sets ofty .e,.a platen bearing arm, handles on the p aten bearing. arm, a foot treadle' connected with the platen bearing arm to op'eratefin unison therewith. means actuated by the platen bearing arm for moving t'he'type to printing position, and 'means for locking the type in printing positionn i all' of the sets of type, a platen bearingairm, handles on the platen bearingarm, a foottreadle connected with the platen bearing arm to operate in unison therewith means actuated by the platen bearing arm for moving the type to printing position, means for locking the type in printing. position, and means for releasing the type.

'24. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a number of independent sets of type, a single set of keys controlling all of the sets of type, a platen. bearing arm,

' handles on the laten bearing arm, a foot trea'dle connecte' withtthe platen bearing arm to operate in unison therewith, means actuatedby the platen bearing arm for moving the type to printing position, and an .inking device moved tooperative position,

when the platen approaches the type, and means for automatically returning it.

25. In a machine of the class described, the

combination of a number of like' groups of type, keys controlling the corresponding type of all of the groups, an independent platen for each group, and means actuated by either of said platens for moving all of the type simultaneously to printing position. I

26. In a machine of the class described, the combination of. a numberof like groups of type-keyscontrolling the correspon ing type of all of the groups, an independent platen for each group, and means actuated by either of said platens for moving all of the each groupof type in type simultaneously to printingposition, and

spring actuated means Y 27. In a machine of the class described,

the combination of type fixed in printing position, a projecting shield having an opening therein through which the type are exposed, and a head of a width corresponding to that of the shield, a platen carried by the head to coact with the type, and handles projecting from the sides of the head to stand on opposite sides of the shield, so arranged that an operator may grasp an article to be printed in both hands and also grasp the handles so that the article will be held against the platen and against the handles, and the handles will stand on opposite sides of the shield.

28. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a number of groups of type bearing the same symbols, but of different sizes, an independent platen movable to and from each group of type, a head having handles thereon for each platen, said handles shaped to enable an operator to grasp an article to be printed and also grasp the handles at the same time.

121). In a machine of the class described, the combination of a number of groups of and from each group, and an independent inking pad for each group of type controlled by the corresponding platen and ac tuat'cd by the platen to move to position to ink the group of type, and then Withdraw during the movement of the platen toward the group of type. I

30. In a machine of the class described,

the combination of a number of groups of like type bearing plates, a number of sets of keys, each set. controlling all of the like type bearing plates of each group, an independent printing platen for each group, means actuated by the movement of any of the platens for 'movingthe type ofall of the groups to printing position, spring actuated means for returning them, and-an independent inking device for, each group, operated by the movements of the corresponding platen, for the purposes stated.

' 31. The combination of, a number of groups of type, a platenioreach group, independently movable to printing position and means for moving t e type 'ofeach group to printing position by an operation of any one of the platens. I

nism for simultaneously moving like type of each group to printing position, a platen for ependently movable to printing positiomsaid type moving mech- 32. A number of groups of type, mechaanism actuated by any one of said platens.

33. A number of groups of type, mechanism for simultaneously moving like type of each group to printing positlon, a platen for eiioli-gr'odp of type independently movable arranged in the same Way, a platen for eachgroup so arranged that'printing may be done from either group .without printing from the other, and means for simultaneously releasing all of the sets of type.

355111 a machine of the class described,

a number of groups ottlike type, each group comprising a set of type and also a second set of ty etc the right of the first, said sets being ;1n ependently movable, the first set of typein each group being composed of similar type, said parts being so arranged that an impression taken from either group will contain the same-characters arranged in the same manner, means for-controlling the first set of type in all of the groups, means for i controlling the second set o f-type in all of the groups, and a platen for each group by which independent impressions maybe made from either group and means for simultane ously releasing all of the sets of type.

' 36. In a machine of the class described, two groiips of type, one group comprising two independently movable sets of type and the second group comprising two similar sets of type, each set being independently (n/movable, a set of keys for controllingthe first set of type in each group and a set: of keys for controlling the second set of type .in both groups 7 4 37. In a machine of th'e class described,

number of groups of like type, each group comprising a set of type and also a second set of type 'to the right of the first,'said sets being independentlymovable, the first set in eachgrou'p bearing similar type and the-second set in'each group bearing similar'typ'e, so arranged that an impression taken from either grou will contain the same characters arrange in the same manner, a set of keys controlling both of thefirst sets of type in both groups and a second set vof keyscontrolling bothof the second sets of type in both groups.

38. The combination of type, a. printing platenm'ovable to and fromthe type and c0 handles fixed to theprinting platen shaped and disposed relative to the platen to enable an operator to grasp the handles and -at the. same time liold'sto'ck to printing position on the platen and in both hands.

"-06 39. The combination of type, a platen,

res.

fixed to the platen shaped to enable an op erator to grasp stock with the same hand that engages the handle and hold said stock in printing position 'relative to the platen.

40. In a machine of the class described. a machine frame, a shield projecting from the machine frame, type mounted Within the shield, a duplex handle movable to and from the type and a platen carried by the handle arranged to engage the type, the handle shaped to permit an operator to grasp ,both ends thereof in both hands and when the platen. is moved to printing position to have the operators hands on opposite sides of said shield.

41. In a machine of theclass described, the combination of a ,machine frame, it

chine frame and formed with an opening, type accessible through the opening in the shield, a platen movable to and from the type and handles on the platen to stand on opposite sides of the projecting shield.

42. In a machine of the class described, a number of groups of type a platen independently' movable to and from each group, a head having handles thereon for each platen, said handles shaped to enable an operator to grasp an article to be printed and also to grasp'the handles at the same t1me.= i

4:3. In'a machine of the. class described, 'a machine 'frame, a shield httving an opening therein and projecting outwardly from the machine frame, type in the machine frame adjacent to the opening, a platen movable to ,and from the opening in the shield and a handle on one side of the platen substantiallyflush with the platen and arranged at one, side of the shield whereby an operator may grasp a garment and hold it on the handle and over the platen =and may press the handle and platen against the type of the machine whilegrasping the hendle and garment. 1

ill. ln a machine of the class described, two rock shafts side by side, a type bearing I'ranged side by side with their printing of keys'for each rock shaft-and means for to printing position by a depression of the key corresponding to'said type.

-15. In a machine of the class described, a complete group of relatively small type, a complete group of 'similertype of larger size, means for setting likety es of eachgro'up to printing position by te sameop ertition and .a separate platen independently movable to and from each group.

The combination of a number of separate groups of type, .eech'gronp comprising type of sizes difi'erent from theother groups,

movable to and from the type and u' handle tacos flush at one point, an independent set shield projecting from the body of the maplate fixed to each rook shaft, said plates 1 rocking the shafts for moving a given type means for setting corresponding types of and also the handle at the same time, and each group to printing position by the same to thereby hoLd the article upon the stock operation and means for printing from the holder in. position to be printedupon, and type of any one group to the exclusion of means whereby a movement of the lever to- 15 the others. ward the type will eflect a' printing opera- 47. In a markixg machine, the combina- -tion on the article held upon the stockholder. tion of type fixe in printing osition a lever capable of movement toward and from CHEbTER CANINE the type, a combined stock holding device Witnesees:

" and handle on said lever shaped to permit 1 I, J. RALPH ORWIG,

an operator to grasp an article to be marked THOMAS G. ORWIG. 

